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STANDARD
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ICS: 13.100
Descriptors: occupational, safety, health, signage, workplace
© Copyright 2014
DEPARTMENT OF STANDARDS MALAYSIA
Licensed to Tentera Udara Diraja Malaysia use only;
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networking prohibited.
DEVELOPMENT OF MALAYSIAN STANDARDS
Malaysian Standards (MS) are developed through consensus by committees which comprise
balanced representation of producers, users, consumers and others with relevant interests, as
may be appropriate to the subject at hand. To the greatest extent possible, Malaysian
Standards are aligned to or are adoption of international standards. Approval of a standard as
a Malaysian Standard is governed by the Standards of Malaysia Act 1996 [Act 549]. Malaysian
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Standards are reviewed periodically. The use of Malaysian Standards is voluntary except in so
far as they are made mandatory by regulatory authorities by means of regulations, local by-
laws or any other similar ways.
Revision: A process where existing Malaysian Standard is reviewed and updated which
resulted in the publication of a new edition of the Malaysian Standard.
Confirmed MS: A Malaysian Standard that has been reviewed by the responsible committee
and confirmed that its contents are current.
Technical corrigendum: A corrected reprint of the current edition which is issued to correct
either a technical error or ambiguity in a Malaysian Standard inadvertently introduced either in
drafting or in printing and which could lead to incorrect or unsafe application of the publication.
NOTE: Technical corrigenda are not to correct errors which can be assumed to have no consequences in the application
of the MS, for example minor printing errors.
STANDARDS MALAYSIA has appointed SIRIM Berhad as the agent to develop, distribute
and sell Malaysian Standards.
Contents
Page
Foreword... .................................................................................................................... iv
Introduction... ................................................................................................................ v
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1 Scope .................................................................................................................. 1
Annex F Object colour of different types of safety sign and materials ..................... 72
Bibliography .................................................................................................................. 77
Committee representation
The Industry Standards Committee on Occupational Safety and Health (ISC W) under whose authority this Malaysian
Standard was developed, comprises representatives from the following organisations:
The Technical Committee on Safe System of Work and Practices in Occupational Setting which supervised the
development of this Malaysian Standard is managed by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia
in its capacity as an authorised Standards-Writing Organisation and consists of representatives from the following
organisations:
The Working Group on Safety and Health Signage Used in the Workplaces which developed this Malaysian Standard
consists of representatives from the following organisations:
Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (Policy and Research Division)
Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia (Secretariat)
GISM Sdn Bhd
Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia
Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia
Kemakmuran 2000 Sdn Bhd
Signlab Sdn Bhd
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Foreword
This Malaysian Standard was developed by the Working Group on Safety and Health Signage
Used in the Workplaces under the authority of the Industry Standards Committee on
Occupational Safety and Health. Development of this standard was carried out by the
Department of Occupational Safety and Health Malaysia which is the Standards-Writing
Organisation (SWO) appointed by SIRIM Berhad to develop standards related to safe
systems of work and practices in occupational setting.
b) to include the specification for safety and health signage used in the workplace; and
c) to establish the safety identification colour and design principles for safety signs use at
workplace.
This Malaysian Standard cancels and replaces MS 980:1985, Specification for safety signs
and colours: Colorimetric and photometric properties of materials and MS 981:1985,
Specification for safety signs and colours: Colour and design.
Compliance with a Malaysian Standard does not of itself confer immunity from legal
obligations.
Introduction
There is a need to standardise a system of giving safety information that relief as little
possible on the use of words to achieve understanding.
Continued growth in international trade, travel and mobility of labour required a common
method of communicating safety information.
The use of standardised safety signs does not replace proper work method, instructions and
accident prevention training or measures. Education is an essential part of any system that
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1 Scope
This Malaysian Standard prescribes safety sign and establishes the safety identification
colours and design principles for safety signs to be used in workplaces for the purpose of
incident prevention, fire protection, health hazard information and emergency evacuation.
This standard also gives principles, criteria and guidance for the design of graphical symbols
for use in safety signs. However, it is not applicable to the signalling used for guiding rail,
road, river, maritime and air traffic and in general to those sectors subject to the regulation
may differ.
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2 Normative references
The following normative references are indispensable for the application of this standard. For
dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of
the normative reference (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 9186-1, Graphical symbols - Test methods - Part 1: Method for testing comprehensibility
ISO 9186-2, Graphical symbols - Test methods - Part 2: Method for testing perceptual quality
ISO 17398, Safety colours and safety signs - Classification, performance and durability of
safety signs
ISO 16069, Graphical symbols - Safety signs - Safety way guidance systems (SWGS)
3.1 caution
Signal word used to indicate a potential hazardous situation which, if not avoided could result
in minor or moderate injury.
Sign that combines a safety sign and one or more associated supplementary signs on the
same rectangular.
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3.3 danger
Signal word used to indicate an imminently hazardous situation which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
3.4 determinant
NOTE. For example, the fire determinant which, when used with the graphical symbols for a hose reel,
conveys the meaning “fire hose reel” (see Figure 27).
3.5 enclosure
A coloured band that outlines and emphasizes the geometric shape of a sign (sometimes
referred to as the border).
A characteristic shape and safety colour combination used to identify the functions of a sign,
and which may have a symbol superimposed, or may be used without a superimposed
symbol as an element of a larger sign.
3.8 legend
Sign that combine two or more safety sign and associated supplementary signs on the same
rectangular carrier.
The person appointed by the owner/organisation responsible for the maintenance and
management of safety practices in a workplace or on a work site.
Sign which gives a general safety message, obtained by a combination of a colour and
geometric shape and which, by the addition of a graphical symbol, gives a particular safety
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message.
Sign that is supportive of a safety sign and the main purpose of which is to provide additional
clarification.
3.15 surround
A fine outline of background or base colour on the outer edge of a safety sign that is
sometimes formed during the manufacturing process, or on the outer edge of a dark coloured
border on a light coloured background.
4 General requirements
The following item should be considered when choosing or designing safety sign in the
workplace:
The responsible person shall ensure that the type of sign used is suitable for the intended
purpose. The assessment should include consideration of the following:
a) hazard identification;
b) the safety symbol or sign should accurately convey the message which needs to be
conveyed by the sign; and
c) where there are to be words on a sign, is it likely that the meaning of the sign will need to
be conveyed to persons not familiar with the Bahasa Melayu and/or English language. In
addition to Bahasa Melayu and/or English, it may be necessary to repeat the message in
one or more other languages, particularly if instant recognition of the message may be
needed in a critical situation. Translated message shall adhere as closely as practicable
to the intent of the Bahasa Melayu and/or English version.
4.2.1 Safety sign should draw attention to objects and situations affecting safety and
health.
4.2.3 Employees should be informed beforehand and an explanation shall be given for the
introduction of a new sign or the change in location of an existing one.
4.2.4 Safety signs should not replace for proper accident prevention measures.
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Signs indicating an evacuation route, the location of safety equipment or a safety facility, or a
safety action (safe condition signs).
5.2.1 The purpose of safety colours and safety signs is to draw attention rapidly to objects
and situations affecting safety and health to gain understanding of a specific message.
5.2.2 Safety signs shall be used only for instructions which are related to the safety and
health of people.
5.2.3 The general meaning assigned to geometric shapes and colours and contrast colours
for each of the sign categories listed as shown in Tables 1 and 2.
Table 1. General meaning of geometric shapes, safety colours and contrast for safety
signs
- No naked light
- No unauthorised
Prohibition Red White Black vehicles
- Do not drink
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- Wear eye
protector
Mandatory Blue White White - Wear personal
action protective
equipment
Circle - Switch off before
beginning
- Warning; Hot
surface
Warning Yellow Black Black - Warning;
Biological hazard
- Warning;
Electricity
Equilateral triangle with
radiused outer corners
Table 2. Geometric shape, background colours and contrast colours for supplementary
signs
White Black
Supplementary
information Safety colour Black or Any
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It is essential to achieve a luminance contrast between the safety sign and its background as
well as between the supplementary sign and its background on which they are mounted or
displayed.
6 Design of signs
6.1 General requirements
The design of safety signs shall conform to the following general requirements:
a) Safety signs except as provided in 6.2, shall be selected from those in the illustrated
index of standard signs in Table 3.
b) Signs with text/symbols combination or texts only, except for DANGER signs, the
following shall apply:
i) Where a safety sign forms part of a text/symbol combination sign the safety sign
element shall be selected strictly in accordance with item a) above.
ii) Where geometric shape is used in supplementary information the geometric shape
shall be in accordance with Table 2 as regards both shape and colour.
a) develop a clear and unambiguous description of the hazard that the safety symbol is
intended to address;
b) confirm that a new safety symbol for use in a safety sign is required (i.e. confirm that a
suitable safety symbols does not already exist) (see 6.3);
c) identify the safety message that the safety sign is intended to convey;
d) define the characteristics of the target group, including their general skill and ability to
understand the information that the particular safety sign is intended to convey and
design the safety symbol for that group;
e) assign a meaning and function to the safety sign in accordance with 6.5; and
Consideration should be given as to whether the safety symbol could be used in any other
type of sign, and the design implication this may have (e.g. the effect of a negation bar on
safety symbol originally designed for use in a mandatory action sign and the effect of
restricted space within the warning triangle).
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During the creation process, the designer shall follow the criteria given in 6.6.
Designers are strongly recommended to use the guidelines set out in Annex B.
a) whether a safety sign incorporating a safety symbols conveying the required meaning is
specified in Tables 3 and 4;
b) whether a safety symbol with similar meaning might be adapted or combined to form the
safety symbol for the new safety sign; and
c) whether there are standardised determinants appropriate for use with the safety symbols
for the new safety signs.
Table 3 gives the list of references in alphabetical order and provides the safety sign
functional reference number.
Table 4 summarises the standardised safety signs used in workplaces and public areas in
terms of function category, graphical as well as geometric shape and colour.
The safety colour, contrast colour and geometric shapes shall be used only in the following
combinations to obtain the five basic types of safety signs (Figures 1 to 7).
Prohibition signs shall comply with the layout requirements given in Figure 1.
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Key
d diameter
Mandatory action signs shall comply with the layout requirements given in Figure 2.
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Key
d diameter
The safety colour blue shall cover at least 50 % of the area of the sign.
Warning signs shall comply with the layout requirements given in Figure 3.
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Key
b width
h height
r radius
If b = 70 mm, then r = 2 mm
The safety colour shall cover at least 50 % of the total area of the sign.
Safe condition signs shall comply with the layout requirements given in Figure 4.
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Key
a length or width
The safety colour green shall cover at least 50 % of the area of the sign.
Fire safety signs shall comply with the layout requirements given in Figure 5.
Key
a length or width
The safety colour red shall cover at least 50 % of the area of the sign.
Supplementary safety information, as text and/or in the form of a graphical symbol may be
used to describe, supplement or clarify the meaning of a safety sign. The supplementary
safety information shall be placed in a separate supplementary sign or included as part of a
combination sign in 6.4.7 or a multiple sign in 6.4.8.
Supplementary signs shall comply with the layout requirements given in Figure 6.
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Key
a length
b width
Supplementary signs can be placed above, below, to the left or to the right of a safety sign.
Combination signs shall comply with the layout requirements given in Figures 8 and 9.
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Figure 8. Layout for a combination sign with the supplementary sign below the safety
sign
Figure 9. Layout for a combination sign with the supplementary sign to the right of the
safety sign
Multiple signs are means of communicating complex safety messages. Examples of layouts
for a multiple sign used to communicate a warning, a mandatory action and a prohibition are
given in Figures 10 to13.
The order of the safety signs (and any corresponding supplementary signs) should be
displayed according to the order of priority that is chosen for each of the safety messages.
Figure 13. Layout of safety signs used together with a separate supplementary sign
6.5 Assignment of meaning, function and image content to the safety sign
The new safety sign shall be assigned a meaning and a function. Once the safety sign
original is complete, the image content shall be identified, including the critical details.
Example of such sign is given in Figure 14.
Meaning: No Smoking
Function: To prohibit smoking
Image content: Cigarette shown in profile with smoke. Critical details are the cigarette and
smoke plume.
Figure 14. Example of assignment of meaning, function and image content to a safety
sign
26 STANDARDS MALAYSIA 2014 - All rights reserved
The safety symbol shall be designed within the appropriate safety sign template. The safety
sign templates may be used but the designer shall conform to the geometrical shapes and
colour given in Table 1.
The safety colour as given in Annex C should be used or the closest possible colours match.
The safety symbols shall make full use of the possible area within the safety sign template
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and shall be centred whenever possible. For examples, refer to Figures 15 to 19.
A supplementary text sign is required with the general mandatory action sign.
The new layout sign original shall be provided without borders in a uniform 70 mm size with
corner marks to enable accurate enlargement and reduction (Figure 19).
The safety sign shall make full use of the area within the corner marks such that:
a) mandatory action signs and prohibition circular signs are circles 70 mm diameter;
b) safe condition signs and fire safety sign are squares with 70 mm sides; and
6.6.4.1 General
The graphical safety symbol within the safety sign shall not extend into the exclusion zone
indicated by a dotted line as shown in the following safety sign templates (Figures 20 to 24)
except where absolutely necessary to maintain visual clarity and understanding.
Exclusion zone: A zone, set within the circular graphic area, which has a width equal 0.033 of
the outer diameter of the sign.
Exclusion zone: A zone, set within the circle, which has a width equal to 0.08 of the outer
diameter of the sign.
Exclusion zone: A zone, set within the triangle, which has a width equal to 0.033 of the sign
height.
Exclusion zone: A zone, set within the square, which has a width equal to 0.08 of the square
height.
Exclusion zone: A zone, set within the square, which has a width equal to 0.08 of the square
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height.
Lines used in a graphical symbol shall have a minimum width of 1 mm within the relevant
templates given in 6.6.4, except where it is absolutely necessary for lines to be thinner in
order to accurately represent the object or hazard, in which case the minimum width can be
reduced to 0.5 mm. Figure 25 shows an example where the lines width exceeds 1 mm and
Figure 26 shows an example where the minimum line width (minute hand of watch) is 0.5
mm.
The spacing between lines should take into account visual clarity.
To ensure consistency in graphical symbols design, designers shall use existing symbols
elements from Table 3 wherever possible. This principle is particularly important when
designing a group of safety signs that have different but related meanings. Where new
symbols are formulated, the designer shall conform to relevant standards.
6.6.7 Determinants
The use of a common element across a family of safety signs can demonstrate a linked basic
meaning and improve comprehension. Example of such common element is the white flames
in fire safety signs in Figure 27.
Where determinants are used to add meaning to a family of safety signs, they shall be used
without any modification.
If two or more graphical symbols or graphical symbol elements are combined to form a new
symbol, the meaning assigned to the new symbol shall be consistent with the meaning of the
individual safety symbols or safety symbol element used.
The new safety symbol should consist of as few components as possible and the meaning
should be unambiguous.
Safety sign in which two or more graphical symbols or graphical symbols elements have been
combined to produce new symbols shall be considered as new safety signs.
Arrows can be added to show actual or potential movement. Where arrows are used to depict
different types of movement, forces or pressure, the form of the arrow shall be in accordance
with Table 5. The dimensions of directional arrows are given in Figure 28.
NOTES:
1. Arrow form Type A can be used to indicate the direction of motion of components in graphical
symbols, or to indicate falling or flying objects.
Nominal angle
Form Representation of the arrow Meaning
head
- Clockwise rotation
- Anticlockwise rotation
Nominal angle
Form Representation of the arrow Meaning
head
6.6.10 Characters
Letters, numbers, punctuation marks and mathematical symbols as part of safety symbols
shall not be used as parts of graphical symbols.
NOTE. The only exception to this rule is the use of the exclamation mark in the general warning sign
and in the general mandatory action sign.
6.7.1 General
This part relates to the perceptual quality of the graphical symbol elements of safety signs,
not the comprehensive or meaning of the safety sign. In addition to being comprehensible, a
graphical symbol should have sufficient perceptual quality to enable the eventual user
population in a practical situation to identify its elements correctly. If the symbol’s ultimate
meaning is to be understood, it is essential that its elements be identifiable.
As the distance of observation from a safety sign increases, the subtended visual angles of
graphical symbols decrease. The task of identifying the graphical symbols elements is more
difficult as the distance of observation increases, which results in smaller percentages of the
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user population correctly identifying the graphical symbols elements. Hence at some short
distance of the observation, the design of the graphical symbols elements should be such that
a very high percentage of the intended user population is able to correctly identify the
graphical symbol elements; whereas at some longer distance of observation, a low
percentage or none of the intended user populations would be able to do so. Because the
distance for correct identification of the graphical symbols element varies between individuals,
the probability that a certain percentage of the intended user population can make the correct
identification is statistical in nature. It is therefore important that a high percentage of the
intended user population be able to correctly identify the graphical symbols and comprehend
the meaning of the safety sign at a distance such they are able to follow the safety message.
A practical criterion is that at least 85 % of the intended user population would correctly
identify the graphical symbol elements at the minimum safe observation distance for the
safety sign.
a) size of the graphical symbols elements and parts thereof within the safety sign
geometrical shape;
b) whether the safety sign is an externally illuminated or internally illuminated safety sign
and the materials used;
d) illumination conditions;
e) observation angle;
f) visual acuity of the intended user population - whether normal sighed (normal visual
acuity), wearing correction lenses or having vision impairment; and
NOTE. Annex D provides guidance on photometric relationships between and within safety and contrast
colours of graphical symbols.
Distance factor z is used in the relationship between observation distance, l and the height of
the safety sign, h which is specified in 6.4.1 to 6.4.5. The dimension units h and l are the
same. Figure 29 illustrates an observation distance from an observation position normal to the
centre of the safety sign. The subscript “0” on z0 denotes that the observation position is
normal to the centre of the safety sign.
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Figure 29. Example of observation distance normal to the centre of the safety sign
- a for safe condition signs, fire equipment signs and supplementary signs in 6.4.4, 6.4.5
and 6.4.6.
The distance factors depend upon the perceptual characteristics of the graphical symbol
elements and their size within the basic geometric shape of the safety sign. The relative size
of the graphical symbols elements and basic geometric shape of the safety sign are fixed in
the safety sign as given in Table 2.
For a given intended user population and illumination condition, the value of z0 can vary
between safety signs. For externally illuminated safety signs with about 100 lx measured on
the surface of the safety sign and a user population with normal sight or corrected sight, use
the test method specified in ISO 9186-2 to determine a value z0 associated with a criterion
percentage of at least 85 % correct identification of the graphical symbol elements. However,
where the percentage of a normal sighted population correctly identifying the graphical
symbols elements is not known for the specific safety sign, use a general value z0 of 60.
For externally illuminated safety signs, the distance factor is affected by the level of
illumination at the sign. In general, for externally illuminated safety sign in a low illumination
environment, such as illumination by emergency lighting, z0 should be multiplied by a factor
0.5.
For externally illuminated emergency exit signs, E001 and E002, the recommended values of
z0 at different illumination levels are given in Table 6. The same values of z0 can be applied to
externally illuminated supplementary direction arrows.
Table 6. Distance factor z0 for externally illuminated emergency exit signs based on
ordinary materials or phosphorescent materials
≥5 95
≥ 100 170
≥ 200 185
≥ 400 200
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NOTE. Over the illuminance range up to about 200 lx, z0 varies approximately linearly with the
logarithm of illuminance.
For internally illuminated safety signs, distance factor is affected by the illuminance and
luminance contrast of the safety signs. Generalised values of distance factor are not
available. The test method of ISO 9186-2 can be adapted by using set longer observation
distances in a darkened environment.
For internally illuminated emergency exit signs, E001 and E002, recommended values of z0 at
different luminances of the white contrast colour are given in Table 7. The same values of z0
can be applied to internally illuminate supplementary direction arrows.
≥ 10 150
≥ 30 175
≥ 100 200
≥ 200 215
≥ 500 230
NOTE. Over the illuminance range up to about 50 cd/m2, z0 varies approximately linearly with the
logarithm of illuminance.
People with impaired vision can have visual acuity. For people with 6/60 visual acuity, z0
should be multiplied by a factor of 0.1.
NOTE. The equivalent numerical visual acuity of 6/60 is 0.1. 6/6 for people with normal sight is a
numerical visual acuity of 1.
6.7.3 Distance factor for observing the safety sign from different angle
When the observation is at an angle to the normal of the safety sign, the projected
dimensions of the sign are reduced, thereby reducing the observation distance for correct
identification of the graphical symbol elements.
For an externally or internally illuminated safety sign with Lambertian intensity characteristics,
if α is the angle between the direct line of sight and lines of the normal to the sign (from the
centre point of the sign), the factor for this angle, zα is calculated as follow:
zα = z0 cosα
For example, when observing a safety sign at 30°, 45° or 60° to the normal, z0 should be
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Observation distances for equal identifiability of graphical symbol elements of a safety sign
are rings of diameter z0. Figure 30 illustrates rings in vertical and horizontal planes. In three
dimensions, the ring forms the outer surface of a sphere of diameter z0.
Key
Figure 30. Vertical and horizontal rings for observation distances of equal identifiability
of graphical symbol elements of the safety sign
Observers need to be informed of potential hazards and of the safety precautions and/or
action required to avoid the hazards before the observers makes any contact with the
hazards. The diameter of circular ring of equal identifiability varies according to the
percentage of correct identifiability. Figure 31 illustrates three circular rings on the horizontal
plane normal to the centre of the safety sign for different percentages for correct identification
of the graphical symbol elements.
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Key
Figure 31. Examples of horizontal rings for observation distance for correction
identification of the graphical symbol elements of the safety sign by 85 %, 50 % and
15 % of a user population
Risk assessment of the hazard should be carried out to determine an appropriate safe
observation distance, ls for the intended user population, angles of observation (including
angles of approach to the safety sign) and lighting conditions.
The minimum height of the safety sign, in millimetres (mm), can be calculated from the
following equation:
h ≥ ls /z
where
The selection of a sign size to satisfy minimum legibility requirements above may not result in
a satisfactory sign. The following factors may require an increase in the size of the sign:
a) The need to ensure that the sign is conspicuous against a visually complex background.
6.8.1 General
All colorimetric and photometric requirements apply to the materials as used in the finished
sign.
The safety colours and contrast colours for the geometric shape of safety signs and the
graphical symbols for particular types of safety sign.
The requirements are based on the CIE 2° standard colorimetric observer, as specified in CIE
15.
Where the requirement involves the colour of the sign materials under external illuminated,
the requirements are based on CIE Standard illuminant D65 at either an angle 45° with the
normal to the surface and the observation made in the direction of the normal (45°a:0°
geometry) or normal to the surface and observation made in the direction of 45° to the surface
(0°:45°a geometry).
Safety sign without an integral source of light are required to be externally illuminated for their
intended function.
Internally illuminated safety sign are classified as “maintained” (integral light source is
powered) or “non-maintained” (sign is externally illuminated when the integral light source is
unpowered, but in an emergency condition the integral light source is powered). If the sign is
intended to be dimmed, the requirements need to be met under this condition as well.
Phosphorescent safety sign have applications in both lit and unlit environments. For example,
during an emergency, the excited phosphorescent materials emit light over a period time.
Requirements are specified in terms of colour region for each named colour.
Requirements for safety sign comprised of ordinary materials are specified in 6.8.2.1.
Requirements for non-maintained internally illuminated safety sign are specified in 6.8.2.2
(when the integral light source is not powered) and in 6.8.3 (when the integral light source is
powered). Requirements for maintained internally illuminated safety sign are specified in
6.8.3. Requirements for phosphorescent safety signs under external illuminated are specified
in 6.8.2.3
The materials are no longer considered suitable for safety use if, the chromaticity coordinates
and/or luminance factors fall outside the colour regions given in Table 8 for the type of safety
sign materials, or the chromaticity coordinates and/or luminance or luminance contrast fall
outside the ranges given in Tables 9 and 10 for the type of safety sign.
For classification purposes by manufacturers, the performance requirements for the test
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When the object colour is tested, the chromaticity coordinates of each colour shall fall within
the relevant colour region specified in Table 8, as illustrated in Figure 32. The luminance
factor for each colour shall be as specified in Table 8. Examples of safety colours and
contrast colours for object of ordinary materials are given in Annex C.
When an unpowered internally illuminated safety sign is tested, the chromaticity coordinates
of each colour shall fall within the relevant colour region specified in Table 8, as illustrated in
Figure 32. The luminance factor for each colour shall be as specified in Table 8.
When the phosphorescent material substrate, or phosphorescent material with colour printed
on the phosphorescent surface, is tested, the chromaticity coordinates of each colour shall fall
within the relevant colour regions specified in Table 8, as illustrated in Figure 32. The
luminance factor for each colour shall be as specified in Table 8.
The chromaticity coordinates for the object colour of a powered internally illuminated safety
sign shall fall within the relevant colour region specified in Table 9 and as illustrated in Figure
33.
The ratio of minimum luminance to maximum luminance within either white or the safety
colour shall be greater than 1:5. If the luminance of the safety sign is greater than 100 cd/m2,
the ratio of minimum to maximum luminance within the colour shall be greater than 1:10.
In application of powered internally illuminated safety sign in normal lighting conditions, higher
luminance values of the sign should be appropriate to the luminous environment for legibility.
The criteria for luminance contrast and the ratio of luminances within each colour shall be
met.
The requirements of this clause shall also apply to non-maintained internally illuminated
safety sign when the integral light source is powered.
Table 8. Colour regions: chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for object
colour of ordinary material, phosphorescent materials and unpowered internally
illuminated safety sign under external illumination
1 2 3 4 Minimum Maximum
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Luminance
1 2 3 4 2
(cd/m )
a
Black as contrast colour or colour of the symbol is not translucent.
Table 10. Luminance contrast for powered internally illuminated safety signs
Figure 33. Object colours of powered internally illuminated safety signs - Chromaticity
boundaries for red, yellow, green, blue, green-white, white and black
Note that the colours of the lines giving the chromaticity boundaries in Figures 32 and 33 are
arbitrary and only give an indication of the associated colour.
Phosphorescent materials can be of some value if used for signs which need to be seen in
the dark, typically under emergency conditions. Their light output is low, and they will only be
useful if they have recently been irradiated by normal lighting. The minimum luminance of
safety sign classified as phosphorescent in accordance to the four sub-classification is given
in Table 11.
Minimum luminance
Units are in Milli candela per square meter (mcd/m2)
Sub-
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classification
At decay time At decay time At decay time At decay time
2 min 10 min 30 min 60 min
Class A 108 23 7 3
Class B 210 50 15 7
Signs other than those painted directly on existing surface, shall be erected so that they do
not create a hazard. Examples of signs erected hazardously are those projecting into
passageways at such heights or locations that person, vehicles or mobile plant may strike
them.
All signs should be removed immediately when the information is no longer relevant. This
practice is especially important for signs warning of specific temporary hazards. When the
hazard ceases to exist, the hazard sign should be removed promptly. For example signs
giving warning of person working above should be removed when the overhead job is
completed. Failure to observe this practice may induce disrespect for all signs.
7.2.1 Visibility
Signs should be located where the messages are legible and so that they attract the attention
of, and are clearly visible to all concerned.
Visibility will be enhanced if a contrast exists between the predominant colour of the sign and
that of its immediate surroundings. E.g. a green sign which of necessity that has to be placed
on a green wall will be rendered more distinct if it has a white surround.
Signs should be mounted as close as practicable to the observer’s line of sight in the vertical
plane. For standing adults this will be approximately 5 degrees up or down from a point 1 500
mm above ground or floor level in front of the observer. Signs which are free standing or
mounted overhead shall be placed so that they are not a hazard to pedestrians.
Regulatory and hazard signs should be so sited in relation to a particular hazard as to allow a
person ample time after first viewing the sign to heed the warning. This distance will vary, e.g.
signs warning against the touching of switches or other electrical equipment should be placed
close to the equipment, whereas signs used in plant yards or on construction work should be
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placed sufficiently in advance of the hazard to permit the warning to be perceived before the
hazard is reached.
Signs should not be placed on moveable objects such as doors, windows or racks where a
change in position would void the purpose of the sign or cause it to be out of sight. This does
not apply to signs intended to be portable or moveable.
External or internal illumination of signs should be considered where the general lighting,
either natural or artificial, does not provide for adequate visibility of signs.
In all cases, glare from lighting should be avoided. Special attention should also be given to
signs subject to illumination from certain artificial light sources such as sodium vapour lamps,
which cause changes in the perception of colours.
Care should be taken when considering the placing of several signs close together. The result
may be that there is so much information in one place that little or none is absorbed, or the
visual effect may be so confusing as to make it difficult to distinguish individual message.
For maximum effectiveness, the responsible person should ensure that signs are maintained
in good condition, kept clean and well illuminated. Signs should be regularly inspected,
replaced or upgraded accordingly.
Any form of sign permitted in this standard may be miniaturised, and made as an accident
prevention tag. However, where message of a critical nature are to be conveyed, a stand-
alone safety sign is preferred if a suitable standard sign exist. If text is to be used for a critical
hazard message, it will generally be in the form of a DANGER sign.
A tag shall have minimum dimensions of 80 mm x 150 mm exclusive of any additional area
required to tie or fix the tag to the plant or other item. The sign shall occupy as much of this
area as practicable. Sample of tags are shown in Figure 34.
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Annex A
(informative)
Reference No.
E007
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Referent
Evacuation assembly point
Function
To indicate the location of a safe
assembly point following evacuation
Image content
Four half-human figures in a group,
four arrows coming from the corners
pointing to them
Hazard
Not being able to locate a safe assembly point following evacuation
Human behaviour that is intended to be caused after understanding the safety sign’s
meaning
Being aware of the evacuation assembly point which is provided to enable people to be
accounted for following the evacuation of a building or premises
Figure A.1. Description and application of referent for signs indicating an evacuation
route, the location of safety equipment or a safety facility, or safety action (sample safe
condition signs) (Category E)
Reference No.
F001
Referent
Fire extinguisher
Function
To indicate the location of a fire
extinguisher
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Image content
Fire extinguisher (profile) with label,
flame determinant
Hazard
Not being able to locate a fire extinguisher
Human behaviour that is intended to be caused after understanding the safety sign’s
meaning
Being aware of the location of a fire extinguisher
Figure A.2. Description and application of referent for sample fire equipment signs
(Category F)
Reference No.
M003
Referent
Wear ear protection
Function
To signify that ear protection is
required to be worn
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Image content
Human head (front view) wearing ear
protection
Hazard
Noise
Human behaviour that is intended to be caused after understanding the safety sign’s
meaning
Wearing ear protection
Figure A.3. Description and application of referent for sample mandatory action signs
(Category M)
Reference No.
P004
Referent
No thoroughfare
Function
To prohibit the use of a
thoroughfare by pedestrians
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Image content
Human figure walking (left hand)
Hazard
Collision with vehicles or machinery
Human behaviour that is intended to be caused after understanding the safety sign’s
meaning
Not using the thoroughfare
Figure A.4. Description and application of referent for sample prohibition signs
(Category P)
Reference No.
W002
Referent
Warning; Explosive material
Function
To warn of explosive materials
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Image content
Part of filled circle with radiating
triangular lines and irregular shapes
Hazard
Explosion
Human behaviour that is intended to be caused after understanding the safety sign’s
meaning
Taking care when in the vicinity of or handling explosive materials
Figure A.5. Description and application of referent for sample warning sign
(Category W)
Annex B
(informative)
B.1 General
The general symbol should have only as much detail as is required to communicate the
intended message. The graphical symbol should:
When creating a graphical symbol for use in a mandatory action sign, a warning sign, a safe
condition sign or a fire safety sign, the designer should keep in mind the possible that the
same graphical symbol may need to be used in a prohibition sign to indicate a prohibited
action. When a graphical symbol is used in a prohibition sign, the diagonal bar obscures a
portion of the graphical symbols. Thus, if it is anticipated that the graphical symbol will be
used in a prohibition sign, the designer should make sure critical elements necessary for
understanding the safety sign, i.e. the critical details will not be located in the area that will be
obscured by the prohibition sign’s diagonal bar.
If human interaction is a part of the message, it is preferable to depict the human element in
the graphical symbol. For instance, fire safety sign for “Fire alarm call point” in Figure B.1 has
replaced the older symbol in Figure B.2. The graphical symbols is much easier to
comprehend and it is active in its depiction (i.e. the human hand is shown approaching the
alarm button).
Filled areas could improve the legibility of the graphical symbols in Figure 15, particularly for
longer viewing distances.
Outline forms could be appropriate for distinguishing and recognition of elements within
graphical symbols.
For personal protection equipment (PPE) worn on the human head, the equipment should be
shown as a filled image with the head in outline. For PPE worn on the body, if a human figure
or torso is included in the graphical symbol, the equipment should be shown as a filled image
with the human figure or torso in outline.
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The human figure or body element is frequently the main component in a graphical and
should be depicted in a simple, consistent and believable form.
Interpretation should be instantaneous and not require the viewer to study the symbols to
determine what part of the body is involved with the hazard. When designing safety signs that
incorporate the human figure or human elements, consider the position of these elements in
relating to the following:
b) the direction from which the hazard comes or the orientation of the hazards;
The use of the simple human figure template shown in Figures B.3, B.5 and B.6 should be
considered for purposes of proportioning elements of the humans figure and for depiction of
different actions or movements shown in Figures B.4 and B.7.
The symbol of the human figure is based on a grid system of uniform sized squares, or units.
The full human figure is 12 units tall, 2 units wide at the trunk and has a circular head 1.75
units in diameter. The legs are 1 unit wide; the arms are 7/8 of a unit wide. The precise unit
measurements for drawing the figure are shown in Figures B.3 and B.6. The hands and feet
may end in semicircles as shown in the template or may be squared or slightly rounded and
slanted. The pivot points are shown for elbow, shoulder, hip and knee joints. Connection
points for hands and feet are also shown at the ends of limbs. The pivot and connection
points are provided in the template to assist the designer to manipulate the figure into a
position consistent with the desired posture and for the option of adding feet and/or hands to
the full body illustration in Figures B.10 and B.16.
By using pivot points in Figures B.3 and B.6 action or movement of the figure can be
depicted. The unit proportions remain the same, except in situations where the overlapping of
limbs causes a visual foreshortening of the limb. When foreshortening occurs, it is
compensated for by adding 0.5 unit to the limb in Figure B.4.
Figure B.4. Examples of how the human figure can be animated using pivot points
Figure B.5. Full human body design template, standing, front view
Figure B.6. Full human body design template for animation, profile view
Figure B.7. Examples of how the human figure can be animated using pivot points,
profile view
The health of the working population can be endangered by hazards to the head. Such heads
can arise in various ways. Therefore, the human head and face is a necessary part of a
number of safety signs, especially mandatory actions signs indicating the use of personal
protection equipment (PPE).
For all safety sign needing a head as part of the graphical symbols, one type of head should
be used. The global versions of the outlined head that is to be used for safety signs should
not, in order to be widely accepted in an ethically diversified world, carry any ethnic specifics.
Figures B.8 and B.9 show the two versions (profile view and front view) of the outlined head
that should be used to create graphical symbols for use in safety signs indicating a head-
related hazard. The profile view should be preferred.
The complexity of the human hand and the many posibble finger movements, make hands
one of the most difficult symbol elements to depict. A simplified shape and form for depicting
the human hand and fingers is presented in Figure B.10. In the full palm view, the fingers and
thumb should not be moved to other positions (i.e. they should not be spread). In other full
hand views, finger may be spread.
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Key
When hazards involve the hands or arms, hands should be addded to the figure to increase
recognition of the limb elements. Basic hand positions are shown in Figure B.11.
The selection of position should be based on which position is judged to best dramatise the
involvement with the hazard. For design consistency, hands should be added to both arms
(when both arms are shown), even when only one arm is involved with the hazard.
NOTE . When the hand is shown in perspective, the positioning of the fingers can create a three-
dimensional impression.
The basic hand profile may need to be modified to best depict the interaction of the hand and
fingers with different types of equipment. The interaction may involve one of the following:
NOTE. The fingers are not tapered and the finger tips are rounded. The profile view uses only three
fingers plus the thumb.
To depict just the lower leg or foot, the stylised foot shown in Figure B.16 may be used. It can
be used facing either left or right. For depiction of some hazards which involve the feet or
lower limbs, depiction of the full human figure with feet added can increase recognition of the
limb element that is involved with the hazards shown in Figure B.17. For such graphical
symbols, the feet shown in Figure B.16 may be added to the leg end connection points of the
human figure template shown in Figures B.3 and B.4.
Key
Figure B.17. Example of dynamic depiction of a hazard using the human body template
with stylised feet
ISO 9186-2 to evaluate the size and shape of the graphical elements for their identifiability
and to determine the factor of distance for application of the safety sign given in 6.7. Initial
checking of the legibility of details at the design stage can involve viewing the template size
reduced to 25 % (see Figures 25 and 26).
B.6 Comprehensibility
To check the comprehensive of a safety sign, the designer should use test methods of ISO
9186-1 to evaluate how well the safety sign communicates its intended meaning. The safety
sign should then be modified, if necessary.
Where the normal size of application of the safety sign is less than 70 mm, the safety sign
should be tested at the intended size of application.
Annex C
(informative)
Colour regions for ordinary materials are specified in Table 8 by chromaticity coordinates and
a luminance factor. However, manufacturers of safety sign might need guidelines concerning
what the respective colour look like. For this purpose, and not for colour matching, examples
of colour swatches within the colour region are given in Table C.1. Some of the colour
references are specified in various national standards for safety signs.
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The colour references in Table C.1 are available as colour swatches. The order of listing
within the columns of the table is arbitrary and the rows of the table do not represent any
closeness of colour matching.
Table C.1. Ordinary materials: Examples for object colours that fall within the specified
chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for the colour region
Table C.1. Ordinary materials: Examples for object colours that fall within the specified
chromaticity coordinates and luminance factor for the colour region (continued)
5G4/8 G S 2565-G
7.5G4/10 G S 3060-G
S 3060-B90G GL
Blue RAL 5005 2.5PB3.5/10Ga,b 20E56 S 2065-R90B
(16.7: 7.2: 3.8)
RAL 5005/840-HR 10B3/8 G 20E53 S 3060-R90B
(16.7: 6.3: 3.8)
RAL 5017/840-HR 2.5PB3/8 G S 3560-R90B
(17.1: 6.3: 3.6)
RAL EFFECT 640-5 2.5PB3/10 G S 3065-R90B GL
(16.7: 6.2: 3.7)
5PB4/12 G S 3065-R90B
5PB3/10 G S 4050-R80B
S 3060-R80B
S 2565-R80B
White RAL 9003 N9.5 Ga 00E55 S 0500-N
(N: 0: 0.5)
RAL 9003/840-HR N9.0 Gb
(N: 0.1: 0.4)
RAL EFFECT 120-1
(N: 0.1: 0.4)
NOTE. Munsell and NCS colour swatches can have either a glossy of matte finish. Where the finish
is glossy, Munsell uses the label “G”, NCS uses the label “GL”.
a
JIS Z 9103, Safety colours - General specification.
b
ANSI Z 535.1, Safety color code.
To identify a colour reference in another colour classification system, it should meet the
specification in Table 8.
Colours within the colour region and further from the colour region boundaries are likely to
take longer to deteriorate and therefore remain within the colour region limits for longer. The
rate of colour deterioration may also depend upon the nature of the pigment used in the
finished safety sign. Safety sign material should be tested for colour deterioration.
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Annex D
(informative)
D.1 General
The recommendations given in this annex are applicable to safety that are externally
illuminated and to internally illuminated signs that have luminous surfaces. The
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recommendations do not cover signs utilising point light sources to depict graphical symbols.
The colours appearance of safety colours and the contrast colour white can be affected by
chromatic adaptation. This is a complex issue for which the colour-rendering index for a lamp
is sometimes used. In order to identify safety colours, the minimum value for the colour,
rendering index for a lamp should be greater than 40. The luminaries providing external
lighting should not substantially subtract from this.
Guidance on the relationships of the dimensions of the safety sign and distance of
observation is given in 6.7.
Generally, the reflectance of the safety sign elements themselves should be uniform.
Information on the distance factors for externally illuminated safety signs under different levels
of illumination are given in 6.7. Distance factors are given for people with normal vision and
for people with impaired vision, as well as the effect of observing the safety sign from different
angles.
The limits for luminance contrast and uniformity of the luminance measured as a ratio of
minimum to maximum luminance within the safety colour and within the contrast colour are
given in 6.8.3 and Table 10.
For legibility, the luminance of the safety sign should be appropriate to the lit environment.
The minimum luminance values in Table 9 are related to emergency lighting condition and the
minimum specifications for emergency safety signs. In normal lighting conditions, the
luminance values of the safety sign may need to be increased for legibility and conspicuity in
a brighter lit environment.
Information on distance factors for internally illuminated safety signs of different levels of
luminance are given in 6.7. Distance factors are given for people with normal vision and for
people with impaired vision, as well as the effect of observing the safety sign from different
angles.
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Annex E
(informative)
If there is an abnormality in any one of three cone pigments, this abnormality is called
“anomalous trichromatism”. The degree of colour deficiency is just the same as that of
dichromatism, or of various degrees to the normal.
Acquired colour vision deficiency encompasses all the colour deficiencies except those with
generic carries. The difference between congenital and acquired deficiencies may be
explained as follows. The person with acquired colour vision deficiency used to have normal
colour vision, but this has been affected by disease. In other words, the acquired colour vision
deficiency may be classed as a secondary colour deficiency as opposed to the congenital. In
a broad sense, changing colour perception due to aging is also classed as acquired even
though it is not due to any disease.
The major difference between the acquired and the congenital cases may be explained as
follows.
a) In the acquired case, the level of colour deficiency varies by the degree of the diseases or
any other disorder, or both. In the congenital case, however, the level of colour deficiency
will not change at all throughout the person’s lifetime.
b) In the congenital case, the colour deficiency is always binocular, but in the acquired case,
it may be either monocular or binocular.
c) In the congenital case, the colour deficiency does not accompany other visual defects. In
the acquired case, however, it is always accompanied by one or more visual defects.
d) In the acquired case, the person/observer is conscious of the colour abnormality, but not
so in the congenital.
e) In the congenital case, tritan (abnormality in blue, yellow) is extremely rare; it is not as
rare in the acquired case.
While a colour-deficient observer can be expected to have difficulty perceiving the safety
colour and determining its intended meaning, the degree to which confusion can occur is
more likely to be based upon the observer’s experience and degree of colour deficiency.
In considering the effect of dichromatism, each of the three colours, red, green and blue, can
be mixed on one of the confused lines on the CIE chromaticity diagram. Straight lines of
confusion, diverging from the copunctal points for protanopic vision, deuteranopic vision and
tritanopic vision, cross the CIE choromaticity diagram. It means, for each dichromat, that all
point on each confusion line is recognised as the same colour.
The boundaries to the red and green colour regions given in Figure 32 are based upon
avoiding confusion between vivid green and vivid red.
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The effects of the various colour deficiencies have been considered in the determination of
colour regions for safety signs, in particular where the safety colours green, yellow and red
are present. Yellowish green is avoided. In addition to the colours, “brightness contrast
sensitivity” is applied in terms of requiring high contrast or high luminance contrast between
colours as appropriate to the type of safety signs.
Annex F
(informative)
The object colour of an ordinary material is produced as a result of the selective absorption of
light incident upon the surface. The colour perceived is dependent on a complexity of factors,
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which includes the spectral distribution of the incident light, the spectral radiance factor of the
surface, and several visual parameters such as the state of adaptation of the observer and
the colour of the surrounding areas. However, in order to define colour for practical purposes,
it is sufficient to use chromaticity coordinates of the CIE 2° standard colorimetric observer and
the luminance factor. These quantities are dependent only on the spectral distribution of the
incident light and the spectral luminance factor of the surface. For the purposes of this part,
colorimetric values are calculated under CIE standard illuminant D65.
In considering the ordinancy colour of a surface, it is usual to assume that the surface is a
uniformly reflecting diffuser. The light reflected from a glossy or semi-glossy surface includes
more specular reflection which should usually be excluded when defining the colour, and the
geometry of measurement specified should be one that will exclude such reflection. The 45°
a:0° and 0°:45°a geometries represent the reciprocity of light and the annular illumination is
chosen since the reflected light form the surface of many materials is not uniformly diffuse.
The reference geometry is 45°a:0°.
These materials are pigments that exhibit phosphorescent as the result of absorption of
energy from the shorter wavelength regions of the visible spectrum and/or in the ultraviolet
region, and store energy, some of which is re-radiated at longer wavelengths, producing
emissions in the visible region over a period of time.
The colour on excitation by an external light source is the colour of the phosphorescent
pigments resulting from reflection of the excitation radiation and the broadband radiation
emitted by the phosphorescent pigments or product superimposed on it. Usually, the reflected
light is much stronger than the emitted light.
The object colour is dependent on a number of factors, which includes characteristics of the
phosphorescent materials and the spectral composition, illuminance level and duration of the
excitation source. The test involves measurement at a saturation excitation condition. The test
method involves using light from a D65 daylight simulator florescent lamp at 45° to the normal
of the surface of the sign to produce 200 lx (± 2 %) at the surface of the phosphorescent
materials for 20 min. Measurement is by a tristimulus colorimeter or spectral colorimeter
viewing normal to the phosphorescent surface. By measuring a white reflectance standard
placed at the same measurement position, the luminance factor can be determined.
There is a wide variety of construction of signs and types and technologies of light sources.
The integral light source may illuminate translucent material from behind, from an edge, or be
a light-emitting material such as electroluminescent or LED sheets. Surfaces may exhibit
properties partially of transmission/emission and partially of diffuse reflection.
The emission colour is dependent upon a number of factors, which include characteristics of
the phosphorescent material and the spectral composition, illuminance level and duration of
the excitation source.
This part specifies excitation of the phosphorescent materials by light from a D65 daylight
simulator fluorescent lamp producing 200 lx (± 2 %) measured on the surface/plane of the
sign at the position of the test patch for excitation duration of 20 min.
At the moment of switching off the excitation light source, the luminance of phosphorescent
materials can be around the lower level of photopic vision (several cd/m 2) for the normal eye.
In the next time period of luminance decay, the luminance is within the level of mesopic vision
(between several cd/m2 to some hundredths of cd/m 2) of the normal eye. Following further
decrease of luminance with time, the luminance is within the level of scotopic vision for the
normal eye. Colour recognition becomes more difficult in the mesopic vision range and is non-
existent in the scotopic range. Throughout the luminance range during the luminance decay,
identification of safety sign elements and guidance lines comprising phosphorescent materials
is by their contrast to a dark background.
The assessment of the emission colour of the phosphorescent material is made by measuring
chromaticity coordinates and luminance at two minutes of luminance decay after a high level
of excitation. The precision of the measurement allows the colour to be assigned to within a
relatively large chromaticity boundary of the CIE diagram.
The assignment is for the purposes of naming and labelling. Colour recognition is extremely
poor at extended decay times.
The luminance performance of phosphorescent materials is covered by ISO 16069 and ISO
17398. Table 11 classifies phosphorescent materials A, B, C or D according to the minimum
luminance values at specified times during the luminance decay according to a specified test
method.
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Annex G
(normative)
The emission colour shall be classified by letter according to key to Figure G.1.
NOTE. The colours of the lines giving the chromaticity boundaries in Figure G.1 are arbitrary and only
give an indication of the associated colour.
Bibliography
[2] MS 980:1985, Specification for safety signs and colours: Colour and design
[3] MS 981:1985, Specification for safety signs and colours: Colorimetric and photometric
properties of materials
[4] ISO 3864-1, Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Part 1: Design
principles for safety signs in workplaces and public area
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[5] ISO 3864-3, Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Part 3: Design
principles for graphical symbols for use in safety signs
[6] ISO 3864-4, Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety sign - Part 4: Colorimetric
and photometric properties of safety sign materials
[7] ISO 7010, Graphical symbols - Safety colours and safety signs - Registered safety
signs
Dr Syed Abdul Hamid Syed Hassan (Chairman) Department of Occupational Safety and
Health Malaysia (Policy and Research
Division)
Ms Norsalnita Md Noor/ Department of Occupational Safety and
Ms Nur Fahkis Anuar/ Health Malaysia
Mr Nik Mohd Aiman Nik Mohd Azami (Secretary)
Mr Muhammad Shaifudin Omar Department of Agriculture Malaysia
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Members of Working Group on Safety and Health Signage Used in the Workplaces
© Copyright 2014
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilised in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and
microfilm, without permission in writing from the Department of Standards Malaysia.